Narrowband ultraviolet B three times per week is more effective in treating vitamin D deficiency than 1600 IU oral vitamin D₃ per day: a randomized clinical trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of NB-UVB exposure versus oral vitamin D3 supplementation (with calcium) on improving vitamin D levels in deficient patients.
Results Summary
The study found that NB-UVB was more effective than oral vitamin D3 (with calcium) in increasing 25(OH)D3 levels, but calcium's specific effects were not isolated or discussed.
Population
73 participants with vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D3 ≤ 25 nmol/L).
Effective Dosage
1,000 mg calcium daily (combined with 1600 IU vitamin D3).
Duration
6 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) radiation | increase | serum levels of vitamin D, expressed as 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D(3)] | - | - | can improve | #1 |
oral vitamin D(3) supplementation | increase | serum levels of vitamin D, expressed as 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D(3)] | - | - | can improve | #2 |
full body NB-UVB exposure three times per week | increase | 25(OH)D(3) levels (mean) | patients with vitamin D deficiency | from 19·2 to 75 nmol L(-1) | significantly greater increase | #3 |
1600 IU (40 μg) oral vitamin D(3) per day together with 1,000 mg calcium | increase | 25(OH)D(3) levels (mean) | patients with vitamin D deficiency | from 23·3 to 60·6 nmol L(-1) | increase | #4 |
full body NB-UVB exposure three times per week | increase | vitamin D deficiency | patients with vitamin D deficiency | - | more effective in treating | #5 |
daily oral intake of 1600 IU (40 μg) vitamin D(3) | increase | vitamin D deficiency | patients with vitamin D deficiency | - | less effective in treating | #6 |
full body NB-UVB exposure three times per week and 1600 IU (40 μg) oral vitamin D(3) per day together with 1,000 mg calcium | decrease | parathyroid hormone | patients with vitamin D deficiency | from 5·3 to 4·2 pmol L(-1) | significant decrease | #7 |
BACKGROUND: It is known that narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) radiation and oral vitamin D(3) supplementation can both improve serum levels of vitamin D, expressed as 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D(3) ]. However, surprisingly few studies have compared the effects of the two interventions in treating vitamin D deficiency. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of NB-UVB exposure with oral vitamin D(3) supplementation on vitamin D levels in patients with vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: Seventy-three participants with vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D(3) ≤ 25 nmol L(-1) ] were consecutively enrolled from February 2010 to May 2011, avoiding the summer period (June to September). The participants were randomized into two groups, one receiving full body NB-UVB exposure three times per week, the other receiving 1600 IU (40 μg) oral vitamin D(3) per day together with 1,000 mg calcium. Thirty-two participants completed the 6-week study period, 16 in each group. In both groups blood samples were obtained at baseline and after 3 and 6 weeks. RESULTS: We found a significantly greater increase in 25(OH)D(3) levels (mean) in the NB-UVB treated group (from 19·2 to 75 nmol L(-1) ) compared with the oral vitamin D(3) treated group (from 23·3 to 60·6 nmol L(-1) ) after 6 weeks of treatment (P = 0·02), accompanied by a significant decrease in parathyroid hormone for the whole group (from 5·3 to 4·2 pmol L(-1) , P = 0·028). CONCLUSIONS: Full body NB-UVB three times per week is more effective in treating vitamin D deficiency than prescription of a daily oral intake of 1600 IU (40 μg) vitamin D(3) .